2011 Fall Membership Drive: This Is Listener-Powered Radio

I love hearing requests on the radio. Last week, a man wrote in to request his son’s favorite song, a dedication for his birthday. His son was turning three. John in the Morning obliged, playing Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds,” a sweet song I’ve listened to throughout my life in both celebratory and tough times. It made me happy that this little boy already had a favorite song, and that he’ll grow up with the magic of radio requests that is still alive and well on KEXP. Knowing that there was a toddler out there, singing along to the radio with his dad, totally made my day.

There’s something very special about hearing the exact song at precisely the right time, and sharing that moment with thousands of like-minded listeners. That’s why this week of music during the Fall Drive is so exciting… it’s a whole week of requests. Every song you hear is someone’s favorite song of all time!

As KEXP counts down listeners’ Top 500 songs, it’s pretty amazing to hear the diversity of people’s favorites — exuberant, melancholy, cheeky… they run the entire spectrum of emotion. The playlist this week, a collaboration of thousands of votes, truly represents the thoughtful and eclectic taste of the KEXP Community.

Where else will you hear Bikini Kill following Dick Dale, Led Zeppelin paired with The Sugarcubes, or “All You Need is Love” by The Beatles back-to-back with N.W.A.’s “Straight Outta Compton?” The songs nearest to people’s hearts span eras, styles, and genres. This is truly listener-powered radio.

If you haven’t had a chance to make a donation during the Fall Drive, it’s not too late! Just click on the “Donate” button or call 1-866-903-5397. And be sure to tune in to hear all the favorite songs of your fellow music lovers, and see where yours fall on the list. It’s only going to get better (and more eclectic) as the week goes on!